Wool coat for Canada? - YouLookFab Forum

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Wool coat for Canada?

jenanded

Veteran

I think the coldest part of my trip will be my visit to stay with my wonderful friend in/near Ottawa and a visit to Toronto. The weather charts say it could get down to Zero celcius and up to around 10 in mid to late April when I am there. Truth will be that we will be racking up a LOT of talking at her house, but guess I will need to go out sometimes. It will be in the 6-18 range for a fair bit of my trip. Will a wool peacoat (guess its not too heavy) be on track or too much? It was the one I bought for Copenhagen where it was 6-12 most days and I zipped around warm as toast. There was a day when I walked to the harbour with lots of wind where I thought I could have had a hat as well... Any advice Canadians??

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

merwoman

Veteran

Weather can be sooo variable Jen! 6-18 is a pretty good estimate - and it could go higher and lower!
A pea coat's not a bad idea - for myself, I'd be more likely to wear a leather jacket, that I could layer underneath (I live just east of Toronto). Have you got one - or will you need a trip to Danier to round out your wardrobe...

Kim

Veteran

Weather can be *very* variable so watch the weather closer to your trip, for sure. I live in Ottawa and it is typically colder than Toronto and snowier (except maybe this year! LOL) I think you'll be warm enough in a peacoat, and if you have something lighter I'd bring that too just in case we get a freak warm spell and when you go to Toronto. . (I can remember suntanning on the dock at my in laws in very early May a few times. )

Angela

I usually wear a wool coat or my leather jacket around April. If there's an early melt like we got last year then you won't need a coat at all. I second what Kim said about Ottawa being colder than Toronto.

AnnaU

I'm from Ottawa too and I can attest that it is likely to be colder here than Toronto. A wool pea coat should be enough though.
Also, hi Kim.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If you have room, it's best to bring the peacoat. It may be warm enough that you won't need it, but then again, you are not used to cold, so you might feel it all the more.

I doubt you would need a hat, but if you did, perhaps your friend would allow you to borrow one? You'll also probably want some gloves.

The other way to deal with the weather is layers, of course. For similar temps in England I won't be bringing a wool coat, but layering under a trench. It can be rainy in April in Ontario. If we are lucky that is. It can also be snowy. BRRRRR.

(But usually not in late April.)

The truth is, you just never know. Late April in Toronto might mean fresh green leaves emerging on the trees. Or it might mean a blizzard in Ottawa!

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I'd say a wool coat would be OK in most situations, but like everyone, the weather can be quite variable. I recently bought a very lightweight down-filled jacket that I like to layer under a wool coat when I think it'll be super cold but I still want to look nice (and avoid wearing a ski jacket). Maybe do something similar with layering as Suz suggests? That way you have something for your expected temps, but also choices for warmer and colder as well.

celia

Veteran

The pea coat sounds perfect. You never know with he weather but it can get pretty cold and this year has been colder than last year.

jenanded

Veteran

Oh gosh you have me... given that winter is a cardigan and jeans here I have NO experience :-)... I FROZE in London in late March/early April in a cami, long sleeve tshirt, wool 'icebeaker' zip/hoodie thing and a microfibre trench/water resistant jacket with scarf and gloves. Last time I headed to Ottawa it was cold and tried another type of wool zip up from Eileen Fisher I bought on trip to go over and under above and I froze. The wool jacket in Denmark was lovely. BUt yes it is big to carry... but I will be in Ottawa then over to Scotland soo maybe I will use it... Maybe I should look for a new icebreaker - I had that in my handbag for years travelling and apart from that stint in London have not been cold... Poor darling finally lost its oomph... And of course the peacoat is HOT PINK - did feel like the tropical bird in Europe alas... mmm maybe layering for me means a cami under a long sleeve tshirt.. and I better learn about this. Inside of course in London I was cooking and everything was on and off... thank you thank you thank you everyone! Maybe I will vote to stay indoors chatting in ottawa then

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh. Yes. You need to learn about layering from us pros!

I think you need that wool coat.

You might also need some thermals. A cami and a T shirt are not maybe enough for you.

Bright pink is good. It is a fresh springlike colour and will fool you into forgetting that it is beastly outside (maybe).

Freckles

Veteran

I'd check the temps closer to the time as it is very variable as everyone has already mentioned.

Peacoat in a nice spring colour sounds perfect.

As you've been here before I don't need to say this but it can be very windy, depending on what part of town you're in, so oftentimes colder than it appears. Check the windchill factor when you check the weather.

Too bad we couldn't have an Ottawa meetup while you're here but you will be busy with your friend.

jenanded

Veteran

Oh I would be keen for an Ottawa meet up as I will come into the city and work in her office some days so we can both do some work That would be fun....

Freckles

Veteran

Sounds like a plan!

I've retired early so I'm available really any day. Not so sure about the other members but I'm sure we can set something up. What part of town does your friend work in?

Jules

Veteran

Whatever coat you decide on I suggest also a warm pashmina for layering. Scarves help a lot when you have cold nights and early mornings, but potentially quite a bit warmer at midday.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Here in Southwestern Ontario mid-April usually means leather jacket and trench for me but I remember a couple of snowstorms in mid-April as well. In other words you never know. I think wool peacoat can be useful but also bring something lighter just in case: I was going bare leg in mid April last year...